Rodeo (New Mexico)

Rodeo, a tiny unincorporated hamlet in Hidalgo County, lies in the southwestern corner of New Mexico on Highway 80. Its location less than a mile from the Arizona border makes it the westernmost community in the state.

Not to be confused with Rodeo (event).

Understand

Founded as a stop on the El Paso and Southwestern Railroad, Rodeo became a transit point for cattle being transported in the San Simon Valley. Rodeo is the gateway to the east side of the Chiricahua Mountains and the Peloncillo Mountains to the west.

Hidalgo County is the southernmost and westernmost in New Mexico, bordering the states of Sonora and Chihuahua. The entire county has fewer than 5000 people, with most of this population resident in the small city of Lordsburg.

Get in

Rodeo is located on New Mexico State Highway 80, a surviving section of an early coast to coast highway known as the Broadway of America.

  • & From I-10 in the north exit at Road Forks (Exit #5) and proceed 10 mi (16 km) to Granite Gap and then follow Highway 80 as it descends into the San Simon Valley. Another 15 mi (24 km) brings the traveler to Rodeo.
  • & From Douglas, Arizona drive 50 miles (80 km) north on Highway 80 to reach Rodeo. NM-80 becomes AZ-80 upon crossing the state line into Arizona.

See

Rodeo is the gateway to the Chiricahua Mountains and the Coranado National Forest. There are hiking trails throughout the Chiricahua Mountains, many with trailheads accessible from the east and Cave Creek canyon has several campgrounds for visitors. There are no established trails in the Peloncillo Mountains.

In addition to hiking, birding is a major activity. The Chiricahua sky islands are known for their variety of unique species with over 375 recorded species including the elegant trogon.

Do

Buy

Eat
  • Rodeo Grocery and Café. 8AM-3PM (café), 8AM-5PM (grocery, closed Sunday). Serves breakfast and lunch. Small local grocer, pay phone and copy machine on-site. 

Drink
  • The Rodeo Tavern. 

Sleep

Go next
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